Mind Over Matter · Pregnancy & postpartum care
Perinatal & postpartum psychiatry in Orange County.
Your mental health deserves care through every stage of becoming a parent. Find support for depression, anxiety, and medication decisions before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth.
Care with Lori Vasquez, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
In-person in Newport Beach · Telehealth across California
Meet Lori
Room to talk honestly
When this season feels harder than you expected.
You can love your baby and still feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unlike yourself. Tell us what daily life has been like—even if you’re unsure how to describe it.
Depression during pregnancy or postpartum
Ongoing sadness, guilt, loss of enjoyment, irritability, or difficulty feeling connected may be reasons to seek an evaluation.
Anxiety & panic
Worry that feels relentless, panic symptoms, or difficulty resting even when you have an opportunity to sleep.
Intrusive thoughts & perinatal OCD
Unwanted thoughts, repeated checking, reassurance seeking, or avoidance that becomes distressing or interferes with your day.
Thoughtful decisions, made together
Medication planning for pregnancy & breastfeeding.
Medication questions deserve an individual conversation. We consider the potential benefits and risks of treatment alongside the risks of symptoms returning or remaining untreated.
- Understand your history. Review current symptoms, previous treatment, medication response, and pregnancy or feeding plans.
- Discuss your options. Talk through medication when appropriate, therapy recommendations, and practical support.
- Plan ongoing care. Review progress and side effects, with coordination with your OB-GYN or therapist when appropriate and authorized.
If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, contact your prescriber before stopping or changing a psychiatric medication. A plan can be reviewed at any of these stages.
Patient information: ACOG on anxiety and pregnancy.
Common questions
You can ask about all of it.
Your first visit is a chance to discuss your symptoms, history, support system, and priorities. Bring your medication list and the questions you’ve been carrying.
More information: NIMH’s guide to perinatal depression.
Is this baby blues or postpartum depression?
Baby blues are usually mild and improve within about two weeks after birth. Symptoms that persist, worsen, or interfere with functioning deserve evaluation. Reach out sooner if symptoms are intense—you don’t have to wait two weeks to ask for help.
Can I take antidepressants during pregnancy?
Some antidepressants may be appropriate during pregnancy. The decision depends on your health history, symptom severity, prior response, and the medication involved. We review benefits, uncertainties, and alternatives; no medication is risk-free or the best choice for everyone.
Can I breastfeed while taking psychiatric medication?
Often there are options, but the specific medication matters. Your treatment needs, dose, and your baby’s age and health help guide the discussion. We can review the plan and discuss whether coordination with your baby’s clinician is needed.
What do scary intrusive thoughts after birth mean?
Unwanted, distressing thoughts can occur with postpartum anxiety or OCD. A thought alone does not mean you want to act on it. Tell a clinician if thoughts keep returning, lead to repeated checking or avoidance, or interfere with care. If you feel you may act on harmful thoughts, seek emergency help.
How long does postpartum depression last?
The course varies. Symptoms can continue for months, and support and treatment can help recovery. We follow your progress and adjust care to your needs rather than promise a fixed timeline. You can seek help even if your baby is no longer a newborn.
Can I receive care through telehealth?
Yes, when telehealth is appropriate for your needs. We offer virtual psychiatric appointments across California, including Irvine, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, and Tustin. You must be physically in California during the visit. Office appointments are in Newport Beach.
How do I book, and what does care cost?
See current fees and use Get Started for private-pay or eligible adult insurance options. Patients under 18 use the private-pay pathway. Appointment availability and clinical fit are confirmed before care begins.
Support for you, as you care for your family.
Start a conversation with Mind Over Matter about pregnancy or postpartum mental health care. Newport Beach appointments and California telehealth are available based on fit and scheduling.